“Greta never called for her mother, only her father. Johann was beside himself. There was little he could do. He knew polio would take its course. Most children recovered without any physical harm. Some developed paralysis of varying degrees or the disease afflicted their lungs, which never again were fully healthy. He remembered one of his medical school professors saying that a medal and a fortune awaited whoever could invent a mobile breathing device to replace the massive “iron lungs” that were these victims’ only recourse.” (207)
" Johann especially the testimony on euthanasia. The vast enterprise of Nazi medicine was being stretched out like a corpse on an autopsy table. The stench nearly overpowered him. He feared that he could not endure it. That he would not be able to tell Helga what he had done. And if he didn't tell her, that he would lose her forever." (194)
Summary:
The chapter starts off with, “the vast enterprise of Nazi medicine… being stretched out like a corpse on an autopsy table” (194). Johann has trouble hearing about these experiments. Much of this chapter is a description of Johann and Helga’s life with their children, Greta and Paul-Adolf. This sharply contrasts with Phillipp’s life that we learned about in the previous chapter. Even with working at the policlinic, the hospital, and conducting private practice, the Brenners are still struggling.
We are walked through a typical hard-worked day of Helga taking care of the house and children. She meets up with Frau Klemmer, who has kids around the same age as Greta and Paul-Adolf. They mostly chat about meaningless things, for fear of ruining a good thing. Helga notices Great is flushed and begins to worry about her health. The economy seemed to be doing better, but Johann and Helga couldn’t get to where they wanted to be financially. Johann is getting frustrated with his work. He cannot cure the patients he is seeing. He finds himself overlooking the people as a whole and only focusing on what part is wrong with them. There seems to be no end to the flow of patients who cannot be cured. To make matters worse, Johann thinks Greta has polio. She becomes very sick and keeps getting worse, but he refuses to take her to the hospital because he thinks he can care for her better. Greta loses feeling in her legs and one arm. We are left wondering whether Greta will ever walk again, and if bringing her to the hospital could have prevented this.
Characters:
Johann Brenner- began to dread, think, blame when he would enter the courtrooms. He would describe it all as a, “stretch”.
Paul-Adolf Brenner- now five years old
Greta Brenner- not quite three years old, has Polio.
Frau Klemmer- friend of Helga. Devoted wife of lawyer (Richard). They both have devoted but professionally absorbed, ambitious husbands children who had become the center of attention, household budget that denied them, and a vague feeling of distress about being in Nuremburg.
Anatomical (194)- of or pertaining to anatomy Briquetta (194)- block of flammable matter used as fuel to start and maintain a fire Colicky(197)- form of abdominal pain Disdain(199)- feeling of content for someone or something regarded as inferior Jaundiced(201)- a yellowish pigmentation of the skin Drudgery (204)- menial; distateful; dull; or hard work Incessant (207)- unending; continuing without interruption Sedative (207)- soothing; calming; or tranquilizing effect
Chapter 10: We Have Lost So Much
Memorable Passage(s):
“Greta never called for her mother, only her father. Johann was beside himself. There was little he could do. He knew polio would take its course. Most children recovered without any physical harm. Some developed paralysis of varying degrees or the disease afflicted their lungs, which never again were fully healthy. He remembered one of his medical school professors saying that a medal and a fortune awaited whoever could invent a mobile breathing device to replace the massive “iron lungs” that were these victims’ only recourse.” (207)
" Johann especially the testimony on euthanasia. The vast enterprise of Nazi medicine was being stretched out like a corpse on an autopsy table. The stench nearly overpowered him. He feared that he could not endure it. That he would not be able to tell Helga what he had done. And if he didn't tell her, that he would lose her forever." (194)
Summary:
The chapter starts off with, “the vast enterprise of Nazi medicine… being stretched out like a corpse on an autopsy table” (194). Johann has trouble hearing about these experiments. Much of this chapter is a description of Johann and Helga’s life with their children, Greta and Paul-Adolf. This sharply contrasts with Phillipp’s life that we learned about in the previous chapter. Even with working at the policlinic, the hospital, and conducting private practice, the Brenners are still struggling.
We are walked through a typical hard-worked day of Helga taking care of the house and children. She meets up with Frau Klemmer, who has kids around the same age as Greta and Paul-Adolf. They mostly chat about meaningless things, for fear of ruining a good thing. Helga notices Great is flushed and begins to worry about her health. The economy seemed to be doing better, but Johann and Helga couldn’t get to where they wanted to be financially. Johann is getting frustrated with his work. He cannot cure the patients he is seeing. He finds himself overlooking the people as a whole and only focusing on what part is wrong with them. There seems to be no end to the flow of patients who cannot be cured. To make matters worse, Johann thinks Greta has polio. She becomes very sick and keeps getting worse, but he refuses to take her to the hospital because he thinks he can care for her better. Greta loses feeling in her legs and one arm. We are left wondering whether Greta will ever walk again, and if bringing her to the hospital could have prevented this.
Characters:
Johann Brenner- began to dread, think, blame when he would enter the courtrooms. He would describe it all as a, “stretch”.
Paul-Adolf Brenner- now five years old
Greta Brenner- not quite three years old, has Polio.
Frau Klemmer- friend of Helga. Devoted wife of lawyer (Richard). They both have devoted but professionally absorbed, ambitious husbands children who had become the center of attention, household budget that denied them, and a vague feeling of distress about being in Nuremburg.
Key Concepts & Events:
The Doctors Trials(192)- trials convicting Nazi doctors ( http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/nuremberg/nurembergdoctortrial.html )
Hausfrau (194)- housewife
Wurst (194)- type of sausage
Munich(195)- city in germany ( http://www.mapsofworld.com/cities/germany/munich/ )
Hamburg(196)- city in germany ( http://www.hot-map.com/hamburg )
Switzerland(198)- country in europe; located near germany ( http://www.adl.org/braun/dim_14_1_neutrality_europe.asp )
Auf wiedersehen (199)-goodbye
Volk(200)- republic ( http://www.republicantrekkervolk.blogspot.com/ )
Berlin(201)- capital of Germany ( http://www.berlin.de/international/berlin_a-z/capital_city/index.en.php )
Vati (206)- short for "vater" wich means father
Nuremberger Nachrichten(208)- Nuremberger messages; german newspaper ( http://web.mac.com/balazskicsiny/iWeb/Balazs/Nuremberg%20Nachrichten.html )
Vocab:
Anatomical (194)- of or pertaining to anatomy
Briquetta (194)- block of flammable matter used as fuel to start and maintain a fire
Colicky(197)- form of abdominal pain
Disdain(199)- feeling of content for someone or something regarded as inferior
Jaundiced(201)- a yellowish pigmentation of the skin
Drudgery (204)- menial; distateful; dull; or hard work
Incessant (207)- unending; continuing without interruption
Sedative (207)- soothing; calming; or tranquilizing effect